Tapping Trump's thigh, Macron seeks to defuse tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron touches the knee of President Donald Trump during their meeting inside the Elysee Palace in Paris Saturday Nov. 10, 2018. Trump is joining other world leaders at centennial commemorations in Paris this weekend to mark the end of World War I. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Source: Jacquelyn Martin)

November 10, 2018 at 5:13 PM CST - Updated November 10 at 5:13 PM

PARIS (AP) — First the never-ending handshake, then the dandruff brush — and now the thigh tap?

U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have had an unusual relationship since their first white-knuckle handshake at a NATO meeting last year, as newly elected Macron appeared to be trying to match the American president on the world stage.

When Macron went to Washington in April, Trump was unusually affectionate, brushing flecks off the French leader's shoulder that he called dandruff and calling Macron "perfect."

Yet tensions between the men have grown in recent months. The globalist, progressive Macron and nationalist, protectionist Trump have clashed on climate change, world trade and how to deal with Iran. Trump shot off an angry tweet about Macron before their latest meeting on Saturday in Paris.

As they met, Macron stood firm but also seemed eager to keep up a show of camaraderie. He called Trump "my good friend" — and reached out to pat the American president on the thigh after a reporter asked them about the tweet.

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S President Donald J. Trump, left, meet at the Elysee palace in Paris, Saturday, Nov.10 2018. Trump is joining other world leaders at centennial commemorations in Paris this weekend to mark the end of World War I. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) (Source: Christophe Petit Tesson)

Trump was cordial in the meeting. During the thigh tap, however, he sat stone-faced.

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, poses with President Donald Trump prior to their meeting at the Elysee presidential palace, in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Trump is joining other world leaders at centennial commemorations in Paris this weekend to mark the end of World War I. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu) (Source: Kamil Zihnioglu)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron inside the Elysee Palace in Paris Saturday Nov. 10, 2018. Trump is joining other world leaders at centennial commemorations in Paris this weekend to mark the end of World War I. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Source: Jacquelyn Martin)